As the demolition occurred on the Rainbow Hotel, the change to that area of town was remarkable. With the removal of the dilapidated ruins of days gone by, it seemed to be replaced with possibilities. While the flood plane won’t allow the building of a structure on that lot, a blank lot is still very much like a clean piece of paper for a writer’s new story. There was quite a bit of discuss around town about what could be done with the now empty lot. Calhoun County is in the process of titling their new adventure in economic growth and potential. What’s the title? That is each community’s decision.
Although the clouds loomed over Grantsville this morning around 7 a.m., the lights in the FRN, 3rd floor Courthouse, City office and Coffee shop show life! So many businesses in town have been letting their pride ooze out onto the streets with beautiful store fronts. People are coming into town for various reasons, and not the least of which is entertainment and food at Alice’s, Grinders and Mom’s place or Gino’s. Our nearly departed Parts store in town was rescued by Wes and Amy Rogers, and I hate to mention names because there is a long list of people contributing to the growth in the city of Grantsville.
There was a time on Mt. Zion Ridge, long before we moved here in the early 1970’s that each home bore a title. My Parents home, Gene and Violet Hardway, was “Never Idle.” Which was so appropriate for my Mother, who at the age of 87, tomorrow 88, is never idle! Swazy and Beulah Bee’s home next door was Sunset View, there were many others and I hope to bring that back as a Mt. Zion Community Project this summer. I’ve already put in my order with my craftsman husband David Johnson. But the point of that short ramble is every community in Calhoun County has such potential! But every community has work to do.
Of great concern is the loss of the Dollar General Store in Grantsville which is supposed to occur in April. This has been a needful staple in our community that provided lower cost options for food, home goods and clothing that many people rely on. Across the street from the Dollar store is another new business opening, but the the large empty store front is going to be devastating for many reasons if someone doesn’t step up to rescue that business as well.
The picture above is from Chloe Auto & Hardware’s social media sight and it makes my heart happy! It also gives me such hope for the spring flowers on the horizon. Flowers can be as inexpensive or as expensive as a homeowner desires, but the difference they make is huge! It’s so welcoming to those who pass or stop by. You know… company. That’s what we called it as children when someone was coming to our home, “company.” My Mother fussed over cleanliness and prepared food for an army whether it was two people or twenty. And there never seemed to be a time she wasn’t prepared. We all likely have those stories of our family but it’s a lesson we could use as a community. We need to prepare for company. Currently Calhoun County is getting much attention from across the State and even outside the State. We stand at the threshold of something wonderful. Company’s coming! People who want to give us their attention and hopefully a few dollars as well, and we need to make sure they feel welcomed and that our community is glad they’re here.
Just like those spring time flowers, Arnoldsburg, WV seems to be blooming all year long with new businesses, an active school, annual festival and a community with beautiful homes and people. While many of us joke about our own “Walmart or Shopping Mall” in the new Family Dollar, the traffic at that store assures us that people are happy for the arrival and I’m sure it’s added traffic to the other businesses in town. There’s a new bakery opening up in the Arnoldsburg area, Faith Filled Donuts, that will sweeten anyone’s visit to the area. Have your own company coming? Order your desserts already made and save yourself the stress.Need to decorate your home? Arnoldsburg has you covered there with Hometown Roots that has jumped from the internet to live and in person in a shop on the main drag of the town.
And how can we fail to mention the greatness of The 1982 Foundation and their volunteers who attract people from all across the United States and will be doing even more when the center is fully operational. Yes, there’s more company in sit’s with the Community Center, Pool and so many other venues of entertainment in that area.
All of this came to mind because of a post I did yesterday on the event page for Cabot Recycling. Another blessing to the community! And a reminder that one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure, but it can also be costly. Dilapidated buildings, unkempt homesteads and litter filled highways and streams can cause potential buyers or businesses to look else where for a place to invest. If we have people coming into our community we need need to give them a reason to stay.
As March and April approach there will hopefully be a lot more sun filled days that will allow families and businesses to spruce up there areas. Ridgeview News encourages every resident to do as much as they can and help neighbors who cannot.
Remember, Company’s Coming!
